Sarah got a haircut last week and, Photo Mom that I am, I couldn’t resist getting a few shots of her loveliness.
Sarah got put through her paces yesterday morning. At the beginning of Steve’s sermon, his computer screen suddenly started showing everything upside down and he called her up to try and figure it out. It takes a lot of poise to work on a computer issue in front of a whole crowd of people.
The Florida trip is still a go; however, the number of Florida Trip-pers has been decreased by half. After a great deal of discussion on Saturday, Steve and I decided that I shouldn’t go. As some of you pointed out in the comments, and as I’ve been reading in different places, the case count there is rising rapidly and I feel I would be safer staying put.
Of course, there was a great deal of disappointment involved in that decision. I was looking forward to a road trip with Steve and seeing all those wonderful Floridians at the other end–not just our kids and grands but also Frank and Sheri. (Meagan’s parents and some of our dearest friends.)
In addition to going to Florida, Steve will also stop in Charlotte for a couple of days to see his mom. The two of them will go to do a window visit with Ken where Steve will play his guitar and sing and Ken can sing along by phone if he wants. I regret I have to miss out on all those special moments but I am glad for Steve to get to be with people we love.
A couple of Sundays ago, I got the urge to get into the car and drive through the rural countryside of Eastern North Carolina. Best therapy in the world.
I was fascinated by this old Trading Center in Stumpy Point. (Great name for a town, isn’t it?)
I got a close up of the official Stumpy Point sign. Such a cool sentiment.
About thirty miles down the road, I came across a building which completely fascinated me. There are few things on the planet I love any more than old, unique buildings.
Looking at it from a different angle, I happened to notice the guys working on the roof. (I cropped it in so they would be visible.)
They are really up there!
If you’re like me and curious to know what the building is, here is an article about it.
Also, if you are an onion lover, you might be familiar with the lake the building is on: Lake Matamuskeet. Here is some info on that onion from Wikipedia.
Mattamuskeet Sweets are a type of sweet onion grown in Eastern North Carolina, especially in eastern Beaufort and Hyde Counties. This particular variety is a popular choice for cooking and consumption amongst residents of coastal Carolina, and is named for Lake Mattamuskeet in central Hyde County.
So there you have it. From a daughter to an onion to a town called Stumpy Point– you’re never quite sure what you’re going to find when you drop by.
What about you? Have you ever had a Mattamuskeet onion?
Do you happen to know what the pink flowers are called in the photo above?
And on a more serious note, how are things in your area concerning COVID-19?
Are you in a hot spot or are your cases dwindling?
Is your state required to wear masks? (Our governor just issued an order in the past few days. They had always been recommended but now they are required.)
Please share some of your stories, challenges, or joys with us. We need each other (and each others’ stories) more than ever going through this challenging time.
Becky, your photos of Sarah and your Stumpy Point trip were so beautiful… you made my day. Those of us who can’t travel right now are so blessed by your willingness to share you photography expertise. (Although, this blog made me miss Sarah and North Carolina.) 🙂
Fred and Lucy,
I am just so thankful to have people who are willing to look at the photos I take. Such a blessing to my creative self.
I’m so sorry you can’t travel right now but I’m glad my photos bring a little traveling to you.
Enjoyed the virtual journey with you through the country side. Old buildings make me ponder the stories lived out inside. Intriguing. Sarah is cute as ever, please tell her “hi.” How wonderful to have her help close. Loved your blog. Love you. 🙂
Cheryl,
Love the eastern North Carolina countryside. Glad you enjoyed touring it with me. 🙂
And yes, I do love having Sarah close. It won’t last forever but I will treasure each of the days she is here.
Love you, too!
The tree is called a mimosa tree. They remind me of those fiber optic flashlights I used to play with as a kid in the 80s. 🙂
Ellen,
That’s too funny about those fiber-optic flashlights because it’s true! Thanks for the smile.
I received your email about problems with the blog, but can’t access that page on the blog to read the rest of what you wrote. Technology can be SO frustrating. Good luck getting everything fixed.
Sue Ellen,
Well, about 10 minutes after I sent that post I actually found a way to fix the problem. So then the post didn’t make any sense. 🙂
Little by little, I am getting things squared away. Thanks for your encouragement.
Becky,
I am so sorry that you are not going to Florida with Steve. I certainly understand how torn you were when deciding whether or not to go. It is heartbreaking that you won’t be there this time to hug those grands and share in making those memories. But it is better not to take a chance and miss this one trip than it is to go and risk it being the last trip. Many more future loving hugs and memories to be made! 😋 However, knowing all that doesn’t make it any easier for you not being there this time. 😞
I love Sarah’s new haircut! And, as always, I love your photos. You have a great eye. Your photos always make smile. I also love to take pictures, but I’m not nearly as proficient at it as you are, although I have managed to capture a few good ones!
Stay safe and healthy and God bless you!
Linda in Pittsburgh
Linda,
Yes, that was kind of the thing I was telling myself: there will be other trips. But as you said, that doesn’t really help a lot with the sadness of missing THIS trip. At least they will have half the grandma/grandpa package there, so that’s a comfort.
I am always appreciative of your compliments about my photos. Photography is SUCH a fun thing to do and I love that it is constantly changing and challenging and fulfilling.
Have a happy Wednesday!
Well, Becky, hope you are hanging in and doing something special for yourself each day. I just had to let you know about our Covid status. Here, our governor has been opening the state by county using a three step method, red, yellow and green. We were among the second group of counties where Covid was leveling declining and we made it through the stages to green. Although there were still restrictions, businesses were opening and restriction were lessening. Then, once we went green people seemed to become careless and although there were still restrictions (masks inside businesses, restaurants open at 50% capacity, social distancing, etc) rushed out to socialize and our Covid numbers started rising again. We now have to wear masks anytime we leave our homes, no group gatherings of more than 25 people, restaurants and bars have been closed again for a week and people returning from hotspots, like Florida, Must self isolate for two weeks. It is a very frustrating time here, especially for those who did follow all the guidelines 😟 and are anxious, but cautious about getting out there.
Linda,
Wow. You and your fellow Pittsburgh-ites have been through quite the roller coaster. It’s so hard when you reach a certain level and think you can stay there and then things change and you have to take steps back. Crazy, crazy times.
The most special thing I have been doing for myself this week is taking a couple of vacation days and just staying at home–one of my all-time favorite things to do. Organizing closets, rooms, drawers, getting rid of stuff, cleaning out. It’s my happy place.
Sarah looks great! That haircut is perfect for her!
Too bad about Florida. But, maybe you can have an adventure yourself. Maybe go somewhere you’ve never gone- a place to take pictures or get a meal to go. Get a movie to watch that you’ve been wanting to watch. And I’m sure there will be some video chats with the Florida Smith’s and Hawley’s!
We are pretty open here in North Dakota. Not too many places still not open. But, we continue to be cautious.
Also, love the photos. So fun.
Lord’s Blessings!
Krista,
It’s funny–until a couple of staff members at church yesterday asked if I was going to take the week off along with Steve, it had never occurred to me to do so. And now you’re coming up with some good ideas!
I’ll probably just work reduced hours (still have to get music/media prepared for Sunday) but then I think I’ll also do a couple of enjoyable things around the house like you mentioned–a favorite movie or a carryout meal.
Glad to have an Idea Person out there! 🙂
It’s good to hear that things are going pretty well in ND. Say safe.
Great haircut for Sarah! Love your travel pictures. I love getting lost in the art of photography, It’s great therapy.
Well done Sarah! Coming to the rescue in front of a crowd. Not an easy task.
Our covid numbers here in Maryland are flat and the lowest they’ve been yet. I’m sure it is temporary. I wish masks were mandated outside. Right now, it’s only in stores etc. I live in a high rise apt building and less and less people are wearing masks in common areas, such as elevators. I refuse to get in or stay in one with a maskless person. So frustrating. Twice a week I “PPE up” and take out the trash and grab my mail and packages. That’s it.
Becky, I know how hard the decision was for you not to head to florida. Agreed, it was a good decision but so heartbreaking. I havent seen my son or grandaughter since February and we only live 15 minutes apart. It might as well be 15 states and its awful. I’m happy Steve gets to see his dad again though, what a gift for all of them. Ken hasn’t lost that spark yet 🙂
Lesley,
Glad your covid numbers are flat; hope they will stay that way, or go lower. I’m sorry this virus has kept you so confined, especially when you have precious family nearby you want to see. You don’t realize how much you appreciate your family until you can’t be with them; such a feeling of loss.
Steve pulled out about half an hour ago. Very strange feeling to send him on his way without being in the seat beside him.
I’m glad you understand so well the therapeutic nature of photography. Here’s hoping the day comes soon when you can take yourself off on your own photographic jaunt. In the meantime, indoor photography is fun as I know you’ve already discovered; I’ve seen your beautiful photos on FB.
Hugs to you and Miss Sarah.
Sarah’s haircut is just darling. I, too, am glad you’re not going to Florida. My husband is 76 and is diabetic so he is of high risk and therefore we both wear masks. Sometimes they do get a little warm to wear, but the alternative is staying home, which I don’t want to do. We have done a lot of pick-up and drive through because we wanted to help those restaurants out. They just opened up (many of them) a couple weeks ago for sit down, and they do have the social distancing – every other table is being used. So nice not to have to eat in the car. Cases where we live seem to be dwindling. Masks are not mandatory, but, as I said, we do wear them. Love your pictures – even the ones that have broken down places seem beautiful in your shots. Our granddaughter became a pastor this spring – had to finish online. Still has not found a church to be used for the Lord. Is Sarah going back to the church she was at, or will she be looking for another church? I know it will be awhile, but I miss the thrift store fashion pictures.
Sharyn,
Congratulations to your granddaughter for finishing her studies to be a pastor. I know you are so proud of her! I know the right church will open up for her.
Sarah will not be going back to the church she was at since it was just a one-year internship, and that year will be up in 8 weeks. She’s got a few plans on the horizon–not sure yet where she will end up. In the meantime, I LOVE having her at home.
It is so sweet of you to mention the thrift store series; that makes me happy that someone actually misses it. I’ll have to see if I can pull another one together. 🙂
Sarah’s new haircut looks great!
I have not had that type of onion, never even heard of them before. I love onions, especially Vidalia onions.
I know you must be disappointed to not go to Florida but think you probably made a wise decision. Their new cases have skyrocketed over the last several days. Kansas added Florida and South Carolina to the “quarantine” states, states if you visit you’re supposed to quarantine for 14 days upon returning to Kansas. We also have a statewide mask requirement going into effect Friday. Missouri has not enacted one YET. Cases in both MO and KS are on the upswing. I think I saw one graphic last week that KS cases were up 50% over the prior week.
The pictures of Eastern North Carolina are gorgeous.
My biggest joy was getting my stitches out last Thursday.. I still can’t get my foot wet until the 9th when the wire in my second toe comes out. I will be shouting for joy then. Fortunately I have a “sleeve” i can put over the lower part of that leg so I can shower. It’s just more time consuming to put it on, then take it off. This morning I loaded my scooter in my car to go to church to count offering. Started to get in my car and realized I had the boot on instead of the surgical shoe I’m supposed to wear when driving. Had to come back in the house and switch that out. Good thing I had allowed plenty of time to get there.
Phyllis,
It is truly a happy day when you get stitches out. Good for you!
And when the wire comes out? You might just be tempted to do a little dance!
I hadn’t realized Kansas had that quarantine law. Wow! That would make anyone think twice about traveling anywhere else! I’m curious as to how they enforce it. I’m glad I’m not in charge of that job.
I love your backroad pictures, the ones of Sarah are pretty good too.
Tim,
Well, coming from Mr. Photographer himself, that is a nice compliment. 🙂
No, I have never had one of those onions or even heard of them before. That is quite the name!
The pink flowers are new to me too….but oh, so gorgeous! I love the pictures and especially the one of the big, old house that has been gobbled up by trees and vines. SO Cool!!
Here in Nebraska, we are doing pretty good. Last week, our health district (we are in South Central Nebraska) announced that there were no more COVID cases in our local hospital and that we had ‘flattened the curve’! There have been more new cases statewide, but nothing alarming. For the most part, I see face masks just about everywhere I go. They are not mandatory here. However, some businesses are requiring them. I would like to see them mandated nationwide.
I know the disappointment you must feel by not going to Florida. I get it. It stinks. But agree that you would be safer at home. You’ve gotten through this thus far. No need to risk it. I’m glad that Steve will get to spend some time with his parents.
And finally, Sarah’s hair is so cute!
Stay safe and well!!
Lee Anne,
So glad you enjoyed the photos. I absolutely love old abandoned buildings and if they are sitting in the middle of a field, well, all the better! I try to imagine what the building looked like back when it was new and the people who lived and/or worked there.
You’re blessed to live in an area that has been so successful at flattening the curve. I hope that it continues to flatten down to nothing.
Up here in Northern MN and our county has had only 21 Covid positive cases and one hospitalization and she recovered completely. I am pretty careful to not go many places since I am high risk with my mechanical heart valve and I also am a daycare provider so we all try and be careful, but we are slowly branching out. I MISS going and seeing my kids and grandkids. Haven’t seen my oldest grandson since January and my 7 year old granddaughter since February. 🙁 We are not mandated to wear masks, at least not yet. But we are not one of the hotspots as of now. So sorry you chose to stay and not go see your family, but I totally get it. Its’ not worth taking the chance. Steve will have to give them grandma hugs as well as grandpa hugs. Nice that he can stop and visit with his mom and they can go see his dad too. I feel so bad for the ones in homes that are stuck and no one can get in to visit. So sad. Loved the pictures too. Wendy
Wendy,
Wow. Twenty-one is a great number! That’s about where our county was but then, over the past 2-3 weeks, we are nearing 100.
I get it that as a daycare worker (and the possessor of a mechanical heart valve) you want to be extra careful.
Take good care!
By the way, do you know of the town Onamia? It’s in northern MN and is where my maternal grandparents lived.
I have heard of Onamia but have never been there. Forgot to mention how cute Sarah and her hair cut were too!
Wendy,
I spent some time each summer in that area; in fact, our family lived there for less than a year when I was a young child.
Thanks for your compliment about Sarah; she’s a cute gal!
I’m so sorry you had to make the difficult decision to stay home instead of visiting your beloved family, but fully understand. Your pictures were so pretty and appreciated. Thanks for always brightening my Mondays!
Sue Ellen,
Monday-brightening. That’s my thing! And I love getting the opportunity to do it.
Yes, staying home is not what I wanted to do but there will be other visits down the road.
Things are not too good here. We had about 50 people at the service. My family in Florida have gotten and their doctor won’t test them because they have been out of state within the past two weeks. My sister tested positive today. I have an appointment at 4 pm to be tested. Prayers please.
Ann, prayers for you and your family. Hoping everyone feels better soon without complications.
Ann,
Oh, I’m so sorry for what you are facing and especially to hear that your sister tested positive. You and Jim have had quite a difficult month. Please let us know your test turns out.
On the bright side, I know you are celebrating your birthday today and I am sending you happiest wishes. Your card is in the mail but may be a day late since it’s coming from the “uttermost part of the earth.” 🙂 Hugs.
Long time reader/lurker here. Just wanting to say how happy I am that you are NOT going to Florida. I am a 51-year old with no underlying health issues from MN, I got Covid and I landed in the hospital with trouble breathing. I am home and nearly back to 100%. I am one of the lucky ones. When I saw in a previous post that you were going to Florida, I gasped out loud. Oh Praise the Lord you are staying home. Covid is NO joke. My heart aches for you that you can’t see your Florida people, but we all need you to stay safe and healthy.
Sue,
Wow. To get COVID AND land in the hospital–what a scary experience. So very thankful you are back home and feeling almost back to normal
Definitely not a place I want to be so staying home is what I need to do. (As hard as it is.)
I believe the flowering plant/ tree is a mimosa. We have those here in East Tennessee and a friend visiting this past weekend from Indiana asked me so I googled it. Mimosas and kudzu are everywhere here.
We never had a huge number of Covid cases. At least not like some states. Lots of things are opened back up. We have been in several restaurants. We ate at a Mexican restaurant yesterday after church and they were not even social distancing. Most tables were full. I was a tad surprised. Our church went back to the physical building three weeks ago but yesterday was our first time
back. We have to register and forgot to do that last week. The week before we were at our rental property in Kissimmee.
Funny about Steve’s computer. Just random go upside down. Lol. Glad Sarah was able to fix. She is cute as a button. ❤️
I am driving in your direction on Wednesday. Haven’t seen my mom in Pamlico County for a long time. I’m taking a chance and headed there for a couple weeks. Richard my hubby will fly to New Bern on the 9th and spend a couple days as well before we come back to Knoxville.
As far as Mattamuskeet Lake goes, I grew up knowing about it. But is was just a lake to go duck hunting. Or goose hunting. Can’t remember which. Never heard of the onions! Huh!
I would love a day on the OBX but if I get to a beach this trip it will probably be Emerald Isle. Much closer to moms.
I’m sorry you won’t get to go to Florida. My three grands live in Ontario Canada now. It will be two years in August. My son in law teaches at Queens University in Kingston. The borders are still closed and someone said because of the new spikes it may stay closed through this whole year. I am beyond sad. No summer or Christmas visit.
Have a great day. Super gloomy wet weather here today.
Buff
Buff,
I hadn’t realized the Canadian borders were closed. A tough thing when you have people who you so dearly love living there. My heart truly goes out to you at the thought of not seeing them possibly for the rest of the year. Skyping and Zooming are nowhere near adequate replacements but getting to actually see their faces and hear their voices fills the void just a little bit.
It will be a big day when you all get to be together again.
I hope you have a wonderful visit with your mom; so glad you get to be with her. (And maybe even sneak in some beach time; always a good thing.)
For the past three weeks my life has been trying, I tripped and broke my left arm so badly I needed surgery, but first I had to wait for the swelling to subside. I am doing ok with a friend picking up on things I can’t do like empty Milo’s litter box and driving me to appointments and the grocery store. I also have two kinds of nurses that visit once a week, so I feel quite fortunate. I am also amazed with how many things I can do with one hand!
Cindy,
Oh, I am so sorry to hear about you injuring your arm and needing surgery! I love to hear the good attitude you have as far as learning to be one-handed for a while. And also very glad you have friends around to help you while you recover.
Sarah has pulled out some of the hats you gave her recently; she has a new friend who appreciates unique, vintage items. She has loved those so much. Thanks again!
Those pictures of Sarah are absolutely beautiful!!! I am sad that you are not going to be going to Florida but also a bit relieved. I live in NC also, in the Raleigh area and I am quite alarmed by the spike we have been having…..my sister in law lives in Florida, my niece is seriously ill with an autoimmune disease and they are frightened every day by what might happen….they have most of their groceries delivered, the pharmacy has been great, also delivering…. anyway, back here in NC, I am glad Gov. Cooper issued a mandatory wearing of masks…..though it is hard to believe some people are still resisting, I was in Food Lion yesterday, they have a couple of BIG signs on their doors saying it is mandatory to wear masks and yet some people still were not wearing them….I am surprised the store let them in. I am glad that Steve will be able to spend a few days with his folks…..I also loved your pictures of rural NC, anyway, stay safe, stay well….
Dale,
So thankful your family in Florida can rely on delivery for so many things they need. It’s a scary thing when a family member is at risk.
Sarah has learned to adjust to wearing her mask all day at Food Lion; not the most fun thing but she definitely wants to do her part.
Glad you enjoyed the photos of rural NC. Since you’re a Tar Heel, you can appreciate them all the more. 🙂